Safeties: Xavier McKinney, Julian Love
Next to the Edge-rushers, this is probably the second most exciting part about the defense. Xavier McKinney was a borderline Pro Bowler in his second season in the NFL and is only looking to get better. As for Julian Love, while he struggles in coverage at times, he is a very solid run defender who can be good in the right defensive package.
While Love being a starting safety isn’t what some fans were hoping for, it’s likely that he will be splitting snaps sometimes with fourth-round rookie Dane Belton, who is probably going to be better in pass coverage than Love. Regardless, Love is still a very solid run defender who could still serve some legitimate purpose for Martindale.
As we all know, McKinney burst onto the scene last season, showcasing the potential that made him worth drafting in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Tallying 93 combined tackles and five interceptions last season, McKinney nearly made a Pro Bowl, becoming one of the more exciting pieces on the Giants defense.
With the probability of McKinney’s progression, combined with Love’s ability as a run stopper, they could make for a deadly 1-2 punch for the Giants defense that could help push this team over the edge. Keep on eye on these two defensive backs.